All about my sketchbook ...
Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890) stated “my sketchbook is a witness of what I am experiencing”.
For the past few years I have kept a sketchbook whilst on my travels, whether it be visiting somewhere down the road or a different country, I find it the best way to record my experiences.
For me, it's an extra personal touch that accompanies my photos. Don't get me wrong, I love capturing a place through the lens, but something about putting pen to paper just makes it more emotive. When I look back through my sketchbook, I can relive the feelings of the moment I captured with my art/writing.
The book itself is just a portable A5 hardback made by the company Seawhite. Its a great size to carry around with you, fits in all my bags and is perfect to scribble quick ideas in when I'm on the go.
For me, having an outlet for my thoughts/ideas/inspirations with me all the time helps me to escape from the stresses of reality for a while. Having a journal/sketchbook is quite therapeutic! It also can help me to be fully present and appreciate my surroundings by immersing myself in the area whilst I focus on drawing.
As technology is structuring and changing our world view, I feel working outside to capture the essence and characteristics of the wildlife I encounter important in creating raw and passionate documents.
“The direct engagement with the patterns and rhythms of nature can generate a sense of ‘oneness’ with a particular place and stimulate unique moments of perception” (Livingston, 2012).
Creating visual imagery immediately in my sketchbook, responding directly to what I have encountered, is the finest way to understand and discover what's around me. And when I look back through my collection, the memories flood back. The specific moments that meant a lot have been captured in my own words and imagery instead of a generic photo, so I can look back in years to come and remember exactly how I felt.
I have a keen interest in animals/wildlife, so most of my artwork revolves around my encounters with them. But it can vary depending on what interests me at the time! I also add in leaflets, travel tickets, etc. to add to the nostalgic feel. It makes a good timeline to look back on.
I use an array of materials in my sketchbook, and if I don't have it to hand i'll usually draw on whatever's around me and stick it into the book later! Changing up the mediums makes it more interesting to look through as well. My main two though are just a regular biro pen and watercolour paint. Both easy enough to carry around. I have a small portable pallet of watercolours and a brush that allows you to add water to the inside of it so you don't have to find a water source wherever you decide to paint!
For blocks of colour or bolder impressions I use Promarker pens which are also great to chuck in your bag and carry around, they give a similar effect to watercolour without the hassle. You just have to carry more of them if you want a big range of colours and shades.
I also like to come back to my sketchbook when I'm relaxing somewhere on my own and do more of a detailed drawing. I love capturing things in the moment but I equally love being able to refine a good idea. Writing down thoughts and adding to drawings is good to pass the time or keep occupied when you've got alone time!
I hope you guys enjoyed seeing sneak peak into my sketchbook! Let me know if you have a similar thing, I'd love to see!
Beth x
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